13 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; 14 That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: 15 Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; 16 Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:13-16 KJV)
The Good Confession
The apostle, Paul, charges Timothy to keep this commandment—that is, the whole work of his ministry, all the trust given to him, and all the service expected from him—without fault or blame. He must conduct himself in such a way that he brings no reproach upon his office.
He gives him a solemn charge: “I give you this charge in the sight of God,” meaning, he must act with the awareness that God, who sees all things, is watching. God “gives life to everything” (1 Timothy 6:13), and this should motivate us to serve Him faithfully, for we serve a living God. He also charges him before Christ Jesus, who “before Pontius Pilate made the good confession,” declaring, “My kingdom is not of this world; I have come to bear witness to the truth” (John 18:36-37). Christ’s good confession should lead all His followers, especially ministers, to turn their hearts away from worldly desires.
He reminds Timothy of his own confession: “You made the good confession before many witnesses” (1 Timothy 6:12), likely referring to his ordination when the elders laid hands on him. That public profession bound him to live out his calling faithfully.
He further reminds him of Christ’s second coming: “Keep this commandment until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Timothy 6:14). He must keep it throughout his life until Christ comes, whether at death or at His glorious return. Ministers should always remember that Christ will appear again, when all must give an account of their stewardship (Luke 16:2). His appearing will be glorious, unlike His first coming in humility. Though the exact time is known only to the Father, we are assured that “in His own time” He will show it (Acts 1:7).
Concerning Christ and God the Father, the apostle speaks magnificently. God is “the blessed and only Potentate,” the absolute and sovereign ruler of all. “The powers that exist are ordained by God” (Romans 13:1); He alone is independent and supreme. He is infinitely happy, and nothing can lessen His blessedness. He is “King of kings and Lord of lords,” from whom all earthly rulers derive their power. This title also belongs to Christ, as written, “He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: King of kings and Lord of lords” (Revelation 19:16).
God alone has immortality, being the source of all life. The immortality of angels and human souls is derived from Him. He dwells “in unapproachable light” (1 Timothy 6:16), which no man can approach. Mortal eyes cannot endure the brightness of His glory, for “no man can see God and live” (Exodus 33:20). He is invisible and beyond human sight.
After describing these divine attributes, Paul concludes with praise: “To Him be honor and everlasting power. Amen.” God possesses all honor and power, and it is our duty to ascribe them to Him. Sin is exceedingly evil when committed against such a holy and sovereign God, for the greatness of sin rises with the dignity of the One offended. Yet how wonderful is His mercy, that the great King of kings should regard humble and sinful creatures like us.
Blessed indeed are those who dwell with Him. As the queen of Sheba said to Solomon, “Happy are your men, and happy are these your servants, who stand continually before you” (1 Kings 10:8). How much more blessed are those who stand before the King of kings. Therefore, let us love, adore, and praise the great God, saying, “Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy” (Revelation 15:4).